CLASSIC HONDA XR & XLR DAKAR REPLICA

GILLES LALAY was already a great international enduro rider when Honda recruited him. His racing program will include the Dakar he won in 1989 on the NXR but also the Atlas rally which he will also win on this improbable CR500 recently restored by CLASSIC RED. This motorcycle has been specially prepared by HONDA Japan with a 20 liter aluminum tank. HONDA France will add two 10-liter 'suitcases' (made by Christian CHAPLAIN) to bring the range to 200 km. This copy is part of the personal collection of Cyril NEVEU. There will be very few of this CR500 RALLYE entrusted to NEVEU for the rally in Tunisia where I had the honor of being its mechanic.

In 1981 Cyril Neveu was recruited by Honda following his 2 previous victories on the already famous PARIS-DAKAR.To give itself the best chance of success Honda built an experienced rider's team. The XL500 was fitted by the Honda France racing service. By lack of experience for this type of very long race, the results will not be up to expectations. Many technical problems will not prevent the grumpy Cyril Neveu to finish in Dakar, last !
CLASSIC RED has just restored this XL500 in memory of this memorable year.
In 1982 Honda R&D will prepare him a super reliable XL550 which will allow to Cyril Neveu to win all the races of the year !